Last year, Oregon had one of the most destructive wildfire seasons in its history β1.9 million acres burned, communities were tested, and lives were changed. But amid the devastation, there were also stories of resilience: homes that stood strong because they had defensible space.Β
As May marks Wildfire Awareness Month, the Oregon State Fire Marshal is urging Oregonians to act now. With the possibility of another challenging fire season ahead, preparing your home could make all the difference.
βFor the last several years, weβve been proactively working to boost staffing at local fire agencies, modernizing response equipment, and investing in wildfire resiliency projects across the state,β State Fire Marshal Mariana Ruiz-Temple said. βBut we canβt do it alone. We need every Oregonian to rise to this challenge. Creating defensible space around your home is one of the most effective ways to protect your property and your community.β
Start with small changes that have a big impact:
- Space and prune trees to prevent fire from climbing into canopies.
- Remove leaves, pine needles, bark mulch, and other debris within 100 feet of structures or up to your property line.
- Clean roofs and gutters of flammable debris.
- Move combustible materialsβlike mulch and firewoodβaway from your home.
- Keep plants trimmed and clear of dead material, especially near the house.
- Avoid planting directly under eaves; leave at least a five-foot buffer.
For a detailed guide on how to create defensible space, check outΒ www.oregondefensiblespace.org.
As you clean up your yard, be mindful about disposal. Consider chipping, composting, or recycling. If burning is necessary, always follow local rules. Debris burns that get out of control are the leading cause of human-caused wildfires in Oregon.
This May, the Oregon State Fire Marshalβalongside fire service partnersβis calling on everyone to get ready, stay aware, and believe in fire safety. Together, we can reduce wildfire risk and protect what matters most.
Find tips, resources, links to our partner agencies, and more at theΒ OSFMβs Wildfire Awareness Month webpageΒ orΒ preventwildfires.oregon.gov.
About the Oregon State Fire Marshal
The Oregon State Fire Marshal became an independent state agency in July 2023. The Oregon State Fire Marshal is dedicated to protecting people, property, and communities from fire and hazardous materials. The agency works in partnership with local fire agencies, communities, and other partners to strengthen fire prevention, preparedness, and response statewide. Please note: the Oregon State Fire Marshal is no longer an office.
